Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions suffocated Zambia with relentless pressing traps, sharp transitions, and clinical finishing – capped by Ayoub El Kaabi’s movement and another spectacular overhead kick.
Hosts Morocco delivered a masterclass in high-intensity football on December 29, 2025, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Zambia at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points, advancing unbeaten to the Round of 16 while eliminating a winless Zambia side.
Morocco controlled the game from the outset, registering over 70% possession, pinning Zambia deep, and allowing zero shots on target for the Copper Bullets. Walid Regragui’s side combined aggressive high pressing with quick ball circulation and constant width – a blueprint that overwhelmed Zambia’s defensive setup.
The High Press: Relentless and Coordinated
Morocco’s pressing was the game’s defining feature – aggressive, synchronized, and unforgiving. Starting with Ayoub El Kaabi leading the line, the front three (including wingers Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Ismael Saibari) closed down Zambia’s backline immediately after turnovers, forcing hurried clearances or errors.
Midfielders like Azzedine Ounahi and Neil El Aynaoui triggered traps in central areas, cutting passing lanes and forcing Zambia wide or backward. Full-backs Noussair Mazraoui and Mohamed Chibi pushed high to provide width, stretching Zambia and creating overloads on the flanks.
This “suffocating” approach (as described in live reports) limited Zambia to scraps, with most of their limited possession coming in harmless areas late in the game. Morocco won the ball high repeatedly, launching quick transitions that exploited spaces behind Zambia’s midfield.
Key Goals Breakdown
- 9′ – El Kaabi Header (1-0) A well-worked corner routine exposed Zambia’s zonal marking. Ounahi’s delivery found El Kaabi unmarked for a powerful close-range header – reward for early pressing that won the set-piece.
- ~27′ – Brahim Díaz (2-0) Díaz, the standout performer, danced through challenges with his dribbling and vision. A swift move down the left (involving Ezzalzouli) ended with Díaz’s cool low finish – classic transition after regaining possession high up.
- ~50′ – El Kaabi Overhead Kick (3-0) The moment of magic: A clever free-kick routine from Brahim Díaz caught Zambia flat-footed. Ounahi whipped in the second ball, and El Kaabi – timing his run perfectly – executed a stunning acrobatic bicycle kick (initially flagged offside but overturned by VAR). This was El Kaabi’s second overhead kick of the tournament, showcasing his aerial prowess and instinctive movement in the box.
El Kaabi’s Movement: The Focal Point
El Kaabi’s brace highlighted his role as Morocco’s penalty-box predator. His off-ball runs dragged defenders out of position, creating space for Díaz and the wingers. Constantly attacking crosses and second balls, he embodied the high-press ethos: pressing lost causes and punishing lapses. His athleticism turned good chances into spectacular ones.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a win – it was a statement. Morocco look every bit the favorites: disciplined defensively, creative in midfield (Díaz MOTM contender), and lethal up top. Tougher tests await in the knockouts, but Regragui’s high-press system is clicking perfectly.
Which El Kaabi bicycle kick was better – this one or vs Comoros? Vote in the poll and comment below!
